Clerk beaten by suspected shoplifters

A gas station clerk was beaten by two suspected shoplifters after the clerk pursued the men Thursday night, according to Madison police.

The 29-year-old clerk told police he was working at the BP gas station at 4222 E. Washington Ave. when he started yelling at two men who he believed took beef jerky, a sandwich and cigarettes. The men ran out of the store, but then turned around and charged the clerk.

Police said the clerk was punched in the head and knocked to the ground and might have been kicked.

The clerk said he got back inside the store and locked the door. Police said he provided a good description of the attackers, who were spotted going into Motel 6 at 1754 Thierer Rd.

Police said the Eric J. Clay, 23, and Devon L. Fletcher, 21, were found in a room and arrested on suspicion of battery and retail theft. A 36-year-old woman who was with them was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct for yelling and swearing in a hallway at the hotel.